Pop Culture Blog

We were there: Lights All Night at Dallas Convention Center

Crizzly is perched onstage standing behind a huge DJ bank and surrounded by lights – strobes, roaming spotlights and panels of LEDs hanging above him. The San Antonio-based DJ and producer commanded attention Friday night inside the bass hall, one of three cavernous rooms at the Dallas Convention Center. His completely computerized music vibrated so strongly that it rattled your arms, your chest, your bowels even.

Welcome to the third annual Lights All Night, a two-day electronic music festival featuring 36 performers and crowds saturated by college frat guys and sorority gals. Lights All Night, which sold-out Dallas’ Plaza of the Americas last year, was founded by a couple of Dallas natives, Scott Osburn and Hank Keller of Highland Entertainment. Friday’s opening night attendance was a near sell-out, real close to the 20,000 maximum, according to festival organizers.

The set-up inside the Convention Center was a mini-labyrinth of connecting halls – dance hall, bass hall and groove hall. The sound matched the name. Detroit’s Griz started his groove hall set with a thin crowd. But the moment he began spinning his sonic vibe, the audience thickened. He’s probably the most subdued of the DJs I saw, almost hypnotic. That makes him a perfect fit for an electronic music shindig, where letting your inhibitions evaporate is top priority.

For the entire Lights All Night scene report, go to my column page or pick up the Arts & Life section on Sunday.